ASHDOWN PRESS RELEASE: RB-800
We are proud to introduce the RB-800, a UK-made bass amp head designed in collaboration with Rex Brown of Pantera. Built for bass players who value power, versatility, and durability, the RB-800 delivers 800 watts of tour-proven, high-performance, packaged into a lightweight and robust design.
Building on the legacy of Ashdown’s Rootmaster series, the RB-800 provides everything a hard-working bassist could need. From one of the most comprehensive EQ systems in the industry to Ashdown’s renowned Sub Harmonic Generator, this amp offers deep tonal flexibility.
It also features a smooth Compression control and a variable Valve Emulated Drive, giving bassist the tools to craft everything from clean tones to gritty, overdriven sounds. The RB-800 is truly the Swiss Army Knife of bass amplification.
One of the key features of the RB-800 is its Analogue Cab Sim D.I output, designed to meet the evolving needs of modern bass players.
As silent stages and in-ear monitoring become the norm, this addition allows for greater flexibility onstage and front-of-house monitoring, ensuring an exceptional monitor mix in any setting. This makes the RB-800 an ideal choice for today’s bassist, whether playing live or recording in the studio.
The rear panel of the RB-800 includes a balanced D.I with an XLR socket, providing a post-EQ, post-effects signal for a clean front-of-house mix. Bassists can choose between the CAB SIM D.I. or the balanced D.I. output, with further customisation available through selectable enclosure types (ported and sealed), speaker configurations (10” for tight mid-range or 15” for depth), and horn options for added high-end clarity. Combined with the intuitive 5-band EQ, these features allow you to dial in the perfect sound.
Designed with input from Rex Brown, this amp head brings power, grit, and reliability that defines his iconic bass sound with Pantera, making it a must-have for any bassist looking for power, precision, and rugged performance.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Power Output: 800 Watts
Power Requirements: 115-230 Volts
Speaker Outputs: 2 x Neutrik Speakon/Jack Outputs Frequency Response: -3dB @ 22Hz and 25KHz
High Instrument Input: Impedance 3.9m Ohms, input range 150mV – 20 p-p
Low Instrument Input: Impedance 22k Ohms, input level 0dBu nominal
DI Output: 420 Ohm balanced, Level 0dBu nominal
Impedance: Minimum 4 Ohms
Signal to noise: Better than 80dB (EQ flat)
EQ: Bass+/-15dB @ 100Hz, Lo Mid +/-15 dB @340Hz, Middle +/-15dB @ 660Hz, Hi Mid +/-15dB@ 1.6kHz, Treble +/-15dB @ 7kHz shelving
Effects Send: Impedance 22k Ohm, Level 0dBu nominal
Effects Return: Impedance 22k Ohms, Input Level 0dBu nominal
Distortion: Less that 0.5% THD
H x W x D (mm): 89 x 311 x 235
Weight (kg): 2.5